Identities of deputy, suspect released in Iredell County shooting

An Iredell County deputy shot a man investigators accuse of pointing a gun at her while responding to a call Saturday, according to Sheriff Darren Campbell.

A call was received at 10:06 Saturday night regarding a domestic dispute between a father and son at a Tall Oaks Drive residence which is in a neighborhood just north of Brawley School Road. Deputy Joanna Smith heard screaming from inside the house as she approached and announced her presence.

Peter Hay is accused of opening the door of the residence and pointing a firearm at the deputy. Campbell Smith fired one shot, hitting the suspect. He says Hay was intoxicated and belligerent. The presently unidentified man is accused of ignoring multiple commands to put down his weapon while approaching the door prior to the shooting.

He was taken to Carolinas Medical Center with what are described as non-life threatening injuries and has since been released and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center. He is charged with felony assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer and misdemeanor communicating threats. Hay was given a $150,000 bond.

Officials with the State Bureau of Investigation will conduct a parallel investigation with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office to determine if the shooting was justified. Campbell says his office’s preliminary investigation indicates the deputy acted appropriately to protect herself and others on the property. According to Campbell, the suspect’s son called 9-1-1 potentially concerned for the safety of his brother and himself. He says the man is known to have weapons.